WWE has undergone major changes under Triple H’s leadership, and a decorated veteran may be preparing to make a return to the company in 2026.

Back in 2019, Chris Jericho signed a long-term deal with All Elite Wrestling and played a pivotal role in helping the promotion establish itself as a true alternative to WWE. Reports now suggest that Jericho’s AEW contract is set to expire in late 2025, creating speculation that he could once again appear in WWE, potentially as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), some within AEW believe that the six-time WWE World Champion and one-time AEW World Champion will not renew with the Jacksonville-based company. While the situation remains in its early stages and nothing concrete has been finalized, both AEW and WWE insiders have heard rumblings of a possible move.

Chris Jericho recently hinted at a WWE comeback
Jericho spent decades as one of WWE’s most influential performers, capturing six world titles and numerous other accolades during his tenure. However, frustrations with his creative direction under the previous regime led him to explore new opportunities, which ultimately took him to AEW.

Chris Jericho has liked a post on Instagram about being open to a return to WWE once his contract with AEW expires at the end of this year. pic.twitter.com/LpjmuDKRTU

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 17, 2025

Over the past five years, Jericho has been a key figure in AEW both as a performer and a leader, but speculation is now growing that his journey there may be nearing its end. Earlier this year, Jericho sparked further intrigue when he liked a social media post about a possible return to WWE.

In April 2025, Jericho wrestled his last AEW match, dropping the Ring of Honor World Championship to Bandido. With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, fans are already wondering if Jericho might make a dramatic return to WWE. Given his history of surprise Rumble appearances, such a scenario would hardly be unexpected.